Pipol
Pipol
Pipol
Establishment and Leadership:
Set up the Civil Engineering Research Centre at Lisbon College of Engineering at age 28
Directed the Centre until its integration into the Civil Engineering National Laboratory
(LNEC) in 1947
Became LNEC director seven years later, serving until 1974
Appointed President of the National Council of Civil Engineering Laboratories in 1974
LNEC Director Role:
Oversaw all research activities from scientific and administrative perspectives
Directed research in various fields: building materials, experimental design of structures,
observation of structures, soil mechanics, earth and concrete dams, and rock mechanics
Global Recognition and Engagement:
Published 83 articles
Active participation in 70 congresses and symposia as session chairman, theme reporter,
or panel member
Collaboration as a consultant to several organizations
Membership in many Portuguese, foreign, and international organizations
Editorial board member for various technical journals
Visited 163 research institutes and universities in 43 countries, delivering about 200
lectures
Academic Roles:
Professor at the Technical University of Lisbon and the New University of Lisbon
Responsibilities for Rock Mechanics at both universities
Oversight of Seepage in Rock Masses and Underground Structures at the latter
Political Contribution:
Appointed as Minister of Housing and Public Works in the first Cabinet after the
Portuguese Revolution in 1974
ISRM Presidency and Geotechnical Contribution:
ISRM President from 1966 to 1970
Membership increased from 400 to 4,400 during his term
Appointed Chairman of the Commission on Classification of Rocks and Rock Masses
draft a Basic Geotechnical Description of Rock Masses
Unfortunately, unable to lead the ISRM Commission on Tunnel Failures due to
premature decease.
AWARDS
the Rocha Medal is intended to stimulate young researchers in the field of rock mechanics. The prize, a
bronze medal and a cash prize, have been annually awarded since 1982 for an outstanding doctoral
thesis selected by a Committee appointed for the purpose. Full details on the Rocha Medal are provided
in
Josef Stini
Contributors:
Dr. John C. Jaeger and Dr. Neville G.W. Cook
Notable Work:
Co-authored "Fundamentals of Rock Mechanics" in 1969
Widely regarded as a fundamental reference in rock engineering
Focus of Work:
Investigated mechanical behavior of rocks
Explored rock strength, deformation, and failure mechanisms
Key Concepts and Theories Developed:
Concept of rock mass classification
Understanding of the behavior of jointed rock masses
Book Impact:
Used extensively by students, researchers, and practitioners in rock
engineering
Continues to be a foundational resource in the field
Advancements in Rock Engineering:
Contributions have advanced the understanding and practice of rock
mechanics
Provides a solid foundation of knowledge and principles
Application in Design and Analysis:
Influential in the design and analysis of rock structures
Applicable to tunnels, slopes, and underground excavations
Ongoing Influence:
Their work remains influential today
Fundamental concepts developed by Jaeger and Cook are still widely used
in the field
Overall Contributions:
Significant impact on the field of rock engineering
Contributions through research, publications, and development of
fundamental concepts
Evert Hoek
Prominent Figure:
Evert Hoek, renowned geotechnical engineer
Notable Contribution:
Development of the Hoek-Brown failure criterion
Hoek-Brown Failure Criterion:
Widely used in rock engineering
Estimates rock mass strength and predicts rock stability
Considers intact strength, discontinuities (joints, faults), and stress
levels
Essential for rock slope stability analysis, tunnel design, and
underground excavation planning
Research Focus:
Extensive research on rock mass behavior under various
conditions
Explored effects of stress, water, and temperature
Improving Understanding:
Improved understanding of rock behavior
Led to more accurate and reliable methods for assessing rock
stability and designing rock structures
Publications:
Authored numerous publications
Co-authored the widely used book "Practical Rock Engineering"
Consulting Projects:
Involved in consulting projects
Provided expert advice on various rock engineering projects
worldwide
Overall Impact:
Significant contributions to rock engineering
Hoek-Brown failure criterion enhances safety and efficiency in rock
engineering practices
Improved understanding of rock behavior for engineers and
geologists.